Chen Tai Chi is very deep, soft, flowing, and dynamic, and is the parent system to the other four styles taught in China and around the world Although Tai Chi can give you a relaxed body and a calm mind, the most important benefit you can gain is a higher level of understanding of life and nature. In this workshop, participants will get an introduction to this ancient and profound system, including the 19 movement short form. This training is drawn from the spiraling and circular Chan Shi Jing, or Silk Reeling Foundation movements. We will also study various forms of meditative slow walking, and standing meditation, or Chi Gong. We will also examine the Chen principles of Empty/Full, Rooting or Grounding, Yielding, the expressions of Yin and Yang, and the Great Emptiness in Chen movement.
This workshop will be based on self-discovery through action and non-action, with a focus on finding the correct physical alignment, which is key to deep relaxation, whether one is moving or in stillness. Another focus will be methods of loosening and strengthening all the joints and connective tissue, which are the energy pumps in the body. Some to the concepts of Tai Chi will be explained in the broader context of Taoism, and can be used to increase your health, longevity and well being for the rest of your life.
James Fraser has studied Chinese Internal Arts and other martial arts for over 40 years, including studying with Masters Chen En and Du Jia Lin in China. He is licensed as Marital and Family Therapist in California and a Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland, and recently presented Chen Tai Chi to the clinical staff at the University of Maryland Medical School, Department of Complementary Medicine. James is also a Certified Practioner of Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP), a Neo-Reichian approach, and has over 30 years clinical experience as a therapist.